10 Unquestionable Reasons People Hate Boarding Up Windows

The Benefits of Boarding Up Windows

Boarding up windows is one method to shield your home from potential storm damage. It's a daunting task that requires the help of a third party.

Take measurements of your windows to make sure the plywood will fit perfectly. Also, ensure that you have a circular saw and power drill to cut the boards.

Seals Windows

It's a tried-and reliable method of protecting your home from damage caused by a storm. It's a simple procedure that requires only a few basic tools and some time but it can be extremely effective.

Boarding up windows has a primary purpose: to prevent the glass from breaking due to debris during an extreme storm or weather. The boarding is typically made from plywood, and is fixed to the window frame with nails or screws. There are other materials that could be used to secure windows such as duct tape or zip ties, however plywood is cheap and easy to work with, making it an obvious option.

Take measurements of the width and height for each window prior to you begin the boarding procedure. This will allow you to cut a sheet 5/8-inch thick of exterior-grade plywood (OSB) or oriented-strand board. Make sure the dimensions of the plywood match the size of the window frame and leave 1 inch of space 4 inch gap between the edges of the plywood and the window frame to allow for expansion.

After cutting the plywood to size, screw it into place using hanger bolts and nuts. These bolts are designed to attach to the studs of a house and are available at a wide range of hardware stores and home improvement centers. The holes in the plywood should be drilled with an appropriate diameter to match the hanger bolts and spaced apart by at least 2 inches on all sides. After the storm is over and the plywood is removed, the hanger bolts can be removed and reattached to the studs of the house.

It is important to start the boarding up process as soon as possible, once a hurricane watch is issued. This will ensure that you have enough plywood to safeguard your home, and also give you the chance to identify any issues before the storm hits. The entire process should take two people about 30 minutes per time.

Preventing Break-Ins

Boarding up windows can be a great deterrent to burglars. Burglars will target properties that they know they can easily access. If they see the property boarded up, they might be hesitant before trying to get in. Boarded up windows also prevent burglars from being able view inside the home as well, which is a major security benefit.

Boarding up windows is also an excellent way to protect your property from weather. If you live in an area that is susceptible to severe weather, board up windows to shield your home. By covering windows with plywood, you can stop rain, snow and other debris from entering. This can save you money on costly repairs and replacements.

It is essential to select the right materials when deciding how to board your windows. Exterior-grade plywood is generally the best choice, since it is durable against the elements. You will require a drill to drill holes in the plywood as well as screws caulk or putty to seal the holes. Make sure you take measurements of the window openings prior to when you begin and mark the locations where screws will be placed. Also, note down the plywood panel that is intended for each window or door. Once you have all the materials, it's time to start boarding up your windows.

While boarding your windows can help to prevent burglaries, it is not completely secure. Although the boarding is difficult to put up, it is possible for burglars find a way around it. If you rely solely on the boarding of your windows, you may overlook other security measures that could protect your property.

Installing a security fence is one of the most effective methods to stop burglaries. This is a great solution for vacant properties and could be a complement to the idea of boarding your windows. This option is not ideal for residential or commercial structures that wish to maintain the curb appeal.

Reduces Heat Loss

In addition to keeping your home safe from break-ins, boarding up windows can cut down on the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Around two-thirds of heat loss from a house or building is due to inefficient window glass. Radiation, convection, and conduction are all involved. Radiation occurs when warm window glass contacts cold air, which causes it to radiate heat away. Convection happens when hot air rises, and colder air flows in to replace it. Conduction is the process by which heat passes through the window frame, which is typically constructed of steel.

Breaking windows can be a major issue for homeowners and businesses alike regardless of whether it's due to severe weather or vandalism. The boarded-up window will hide any rough edges or jagged edges, and you can keep your business open while the window is being repaired. This is particularly important for commercial spaces which are prone to robbery attempts by thieves who wish to hide from being observed through the window.

There are other alternatives to plywood to protect against storm damage. However they do not offer the same level of security as a solid piece of wood covering your window. Roll-down hurricane shutters are used to protect homes from storms. However, they could be a danger to your safety in the event that they are not secure enough and can take a long time to put in and take away. There are also self-stick rubber weather seals you can cut to the exact dimensions of your windows. The seals can be pressed in place to close gaps that let in cold air and allow warm air to escape.

Consider installing windows that are energy efficient with low-e coatings on glass that allows sun's heat to flow through, while blocking other types of heat transfer. Consider draft stoppers. It's an easy tube of fabric that is placed on the bottom of your windows, and blocks cold, escaping air. These alternatives are more expensive than a full window replacement, but they will lower your energy costs over the long haul.

boarding up a door

While it may seem expensive to put up a window in the event of an emergency, you'll save money over the long term. By sealing doors and windows, you can reduce drafts that allow heat to escape from the home or business. In the end you will pay lower energy bills in the wintertime.

Boards are not expensive and readily available and are a good choice for temporary protection from a storm. However, before you use them to safeguard your property, you must carefully measure each window. Measure horizontally within the trim and vertically between the bottom of the top trim and the sill. Add eight inches to the height and width of both to ensure a snug fit and to allow for expansion in a storm. Also, you will require a saw to cut the plywood OSB, and a drill for mounting. For best results, you should put the boards up before a storm is expected and wait to remove them until the conditions are safe.

A professional boarding up company can complete the task faster and more efficiently than a person trying to do it on their own. The professionals will employ hurricane clips instead of nails to secure the boards to the property, which will prevent damage to the frames. They can also take down the boards once the storm passes and return your property back to its original condition.

If you're a commercial property owner or manager, a damaged window could be a major problem. It's not just ruining the appearance of your property, but can also trigger burglaries and other security issues. The act of boarding these windows will stop thieves and potential criminals from entering your property until the window is able to be replaced.

You should also board up any vacant property you own. Vacant properties are more likely to be targeted by squatters as well as are easily targets for arsonists, so this is an important step for keeping your property secure until it is used again.